Dental Facts about Oral Health for the Steveston and Richmond Communities

At Moncton Dental, we want our patients across Steveston and Richmond, BC, to have the knowledge to make empowered decisions about their oral health. Here are a few helpful facts and dental tips to help maximize oral health. If you have questions about the health of your teeth and gums, you can also give us a call.

Brushing up on the Perfect Smile

Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner, if the bristles have become frayed or if you’ve recently had a cold or flu.

Have You Ever Thought about How Much Sugar Is in a Serving of Soda Pop?

A 12-ounce can of soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you do enjoy the occasion one:

The milk proteins not only help restore lost tooth minerals, but the calcium and phosphates are also absorbed by plaque and help prevent cavities.

Sports and Energy Drinks Are Rising in Popularity among Teens

Frequent consumption of energy drinks can lead to erosion of tooth enamel – the thin, protective outer layer of the tooth that helps maintain tooth structure and shape.

If You Plan on Wining, Add Cheese for Dining

Did you know that white wine is also a teeth staining culprit? The acids in both red and white win create rough spots and grooves in teeth. Stains from other sources like coffee and tea then penetrate deeper into the teeth. Eating cheese can help neutralize the acid and re-mineralize the enamel.

An Apple a Day Won’t Keep the Dentist at Bay

More people are replacing unhealthy snacks with fruit, and soda with fruit juices. But, did you know that the acids in fruit and juices can cause erosion of tooth enamel? While it may seem counter-intuitive, brushing after having an apple or an apple juice can actually expedite the eroding effect of the acid. We recommend waiting at least an hour to allow enough time for the acidity in your mouth to neutralize before you brush.

If You Don’t Floss, it’s Your Loss

If you don’t floss, you will only manage to clear roughly two-thirds of your tooth surface – even with the most diligent brushing. Imagine only washing two-thirds of your body while missing the remaining one-third day-after-day!

Dental Myth: Only Kids Get Cavities

While children generally get more cavities than adults, that doesn’t mean adults are immune. When adults reach middle age, their susceptibility actually increases because receding gums expose the roots of the teeth to bacteria, making them more prone to root cavities.

Does It Really Matter if I Lose a Tooth?

Every tooth in your mouth plays an important role for speaking, chewing and maintaining proper alignment of your other teeth. Tooth loss isn’t restricted to kids and seniors. If you lose a tooth, the gap must be filled by a dental implant, bridge or removable denture for your mouth to function properly.

When Can a Child Brush His or Her Own Teeth?

Children develop at different paces, so there is no specific age when a child is ready to brush their own teeth. But, as a general guideline, we recommend waiting until your child can write their own name before letting them brush on their own.

Smart Snacks

The next time you’re craving a snack, take your teeth into consideration. The more often you eat foods with natural or added sugars, the greater the chances of developing tooth decay. Consider these tooth-friendly snacks: